City Hall has confirmed that Mayor Brandon Johnson is set to appoint Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as the new general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, according to a report by ABC7 Chicago. Ramirez-Rosa, a seasoned alderman representing the 35th Ward for the past decade, is tasked to fill the position following Rosa Escareno's resignation. The mayor praised Ramirez-Rosa's knack for coalition-building and his commitment to equitable community investment, and he is expected to bring this experience to enhance and protect Chicago's parks and recreational spaces.
"Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is a passionate public servant with a decade of municipal leadership experience and a successful track record of building coalitions and delivering significant community investments," Mayor Johnson said, as quoted by ABC7 Chicago. Ramirez-Rosa's appointment, which will have to be approved by the Chicago Park District Board, comes at a time when the city is looking to aggressively tackle issues such as homelessness in parks and expand youth opportunities.
During an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Ramirez-Rosa highlighted his plans to ensure that "our children have wonderful programming" and the importance of having "equitable facility and capital improvements" across the city's parks. He also expressed eagerness to listen to community stakeholders and engage with youth, emphasizing the significance of programs like midnight basketball and partnerships with nonprofits to keep young people engaged and active.
Additionally, his adept handling of sensitive community issues, like coordinating outreach to find permanent housing for the homeless encampments at Fireman's Park and Humboldt Park, was highlighted by Cristina Pacione-Zayas, chief of staff to Mayor Johnson.
Ramirez-Rosa will be stepping away from his City Council role, and according to the Chicago Sun-Times, Mayor Johnson will appoint a successor following recommendations from a community-based selection committee. Speculation is already circulating about potential replacements, with Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada being a name mentioned in connection to the vacancy left by Ramirez-Rosa. In the coming days, the Park District board is set to hold an emergency meeting, presumably to vote on the appointment.
